Nairobi, Kenya — August 27, 2025
In a historic leadership transition for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Pastor Samuel Kajoba has been elected as the new President (Archbishop) of the Uganda Union Mission. His election took place on August 26, 2025, during the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) Nominating Session chaired by Dr. Blasious Ruguri, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Pastor Kajoba, born on November 6, 1958, succeeds Pr. Dr. Moses Maka, who was recently appointed as Executive Secretary of the ECD. His rise to the helm of the Uganda Union Mission marks a new chapter in the church’s mission, with members expressing hope for renewed energy in evangelism, discipleship, and organizational growth under his stewardship.
A Journey of Service
Kajoba’s professional journey began outside the pulpit—as a licensed primary school teacher. In 1994, he transitioned into pastoral ministry, committing more than three decades to spiritual leadership. Over the years, he has served in several key positions, including Ministerial Director of the Uganda Union Mission and, most recently, President (Bishop) of the Central Uganda Conference.
He is widely respected for his passion for evangelism, leadership training, and community development. His ministry has been marked by the establishment of new congregations, as well as practical initiatives such as workshops on family life, stewardship, and strategic planning.
Beyond his church roles, Pastor Kajoba is a devoted family man. He is married to Margaret Kajoba, and together they have six children. His election is seen as the continuation of a lifelong mission of service, blending educational experience with spiritual leadership.
New Leadership Across East-Central Africa Division
Pastor Kajoba’s appointment was part of a broader wave of leadership changes made during the ECD Extended Session 2025, which unveiled appointments for the 2025–2030 quinquennium. The session emphasized gratitude to God and unity of purpose as the Division charted the way forward.
Among the new appointments were:
-
Assistant President (Mission, AMR & Global Mission): Pr. Fidelis Kyuma
-
Assistant President (Strategic Planning & Leadership): Joel Rutebuka
-
Assistant President (Ministerial & Public Affairs & Religious Liberty): Joel Okindor
-
Under Secretaries: Tom Ogal and Jackson Olang’o
-
Associate Secretary & Translator: Mukuenga Guilian
-
Associate Treasurers: William Musaabyimana and Eliezar Kibura
-
Assistant Treasurer: Gilbert Obate
-
Communication & Media Evangelism: Pr. Christopher Ungani
-
Health Ministries Director: Dr. Daniel Gemeda T.
-
Family Life & Possibility Ministries; Revival & Reformation: David Mbaga
-
Stewardship Ministries: Meshack Mbago; with Assistant Stewardship Director Pr. Enock Ntanzwenimana
-
Publishing & Voice of Prophecy: Yadete Lijalen Yigezu
-
Education Director: Prof. Philip Manjo; Assistant Education Director: Aurelie Mukabalisa
-
Evangelism; Planned Giving & Trust Services: Pr. Ivan Samuel Ssebagala
-
Women, Children & Prayer Ministries: Dr. Debbie Maloba
-
Sabbath School & Personal Ministries: Pr. Herbert Uziku
-
Youth & Chaplaincy: Pr. Abidan Ruhongeka
-
Education Research Coordinator: Godwin Lekundayo
-
Sudan Mission Coordinator: Dr. Daniel Ogwok
-
SunPlus Coordinator: Felix Odhiambo
The session also confirmed new Union Mission leaders across the region. In Burundi Union, Pr. Dieudone Nshimirimana was elected President, Pr. Martin Nsengiyunva as Executive Secretary, and Candiede Ndikumana as Treasurer. In East Congo Union, Mbuya Haritea was named President, with Lombonye Mwape as Executive Secretary and Nkelende Lulua Matthew as Treasurer.
Looking Ahead
The appointments signal a period of renewal for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in East-Central Africa, with leaders pledging to focus on evangelism, education, and holistic community transformation. For Uganda, the election of Pastor Kajoba is being hailed as a pivotal moment, with many church members confident that his blend of educational and pastoral experience will strengthen the Union’s mission.
As one elder in Kampala remarked after the announcement, “Pastor Kajoba has walked with us for decades. We believe his leadership will take the church to new spiritual and organizational heights.”
